The National Trust for Historic Preservation, a private non-profit, protects significant places representing our diverse cultural experiences by taking direct action and inspiring broad public support. The National Trust protects and promotes 28 historic sites nationwide, including Cooper-Molera Adobe, a place where cultures, community, and history intersect.
Cooper-Molera Adobe (CMA) is in the hub of downtown Monterey attracting over 100,000 locals and tourists with year-round public access to the native gardens, connecting over nourishing meals, engaging in public programming, hosting family and corporate events, and accessing the museum in its historic adobe complex.
CMA museum shares a multilayered history of Monterey. Interpretation at CMA highlights a diverse legacy by reaching beyond the immediate Cooper family to examine the stories and issues that bridge the centuries, such as the environment, race relations, and political upheaval.
Museums like CMA play a crucial role in community well-being. Our weekly wellness programs of Qigong, Tai Chi and yoga, and our free beautiful gardens provide a sense of belonging and ease. CMA is a cultural anchor with meaningful programming that addresses local needs, fosters engagement, and strengthens connections between history and culture for the people who wander through the adobe gates.
Most museum visitors are from Monterey County, primarily living in Monterey, Marina, Seaside, Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Salinas. Recent visitors were from 30 US States and 16 countries. The majority are adults, children second, and seniors third. Most historic home visitors range greatly in ages, and 76% are women. Visitors are primarily white, with Latino and Asian coming in second and third. On average, participants of July 4th and Christmas in the Adobes number 1,500.
Such a wonderful place to be able to visit & learn about local history!
- Shannon Jones, Monterey County
